The Gold Phone Conversation

Hello God…. Is that you?

What if someone gave you the option of a free call on the “Gold phone” and you were able to dial up God and say, “Excuse me, but what is all this stuff about religion, anyway? Are you “really” up there or is religion just a fabrication of those who need a crutch?”

Your conversation might go something like this:

“Hello God, how are you?” He answers, “I AM!”

“Ummm, I have some questions about all that I see in the world around me. There are so many religious faiths in the world; some seem good and some are very strange. Which one is right? I am a pretty good person but the Christians tell me that I need a saviour, whatever that means. What have you got to say about that? And before you answer, I have to tell you that I cannot believe in a God that would let bad things happen in the world.”

“Hello- - - are you still there?”

Then God says, “My child, let Me explain the truth to you. A long, long time ago when I was busy building this galaxy, I enjoyed the company of My creation and good friend, Lucifer. Lu and I used to walk together when I was working on the earth and he loved music so much that I made him a wonderful instrument to play on. You can read about this in my book, by the way, in the chapter called Ezekiel 28. He was my most beautiful and trusted angel and I gave Lucifer control of the earth. As you will read, when he was presiding as King of Tyre he began to become corrupt and eventually insisted that he wanted to be God! ‘But,’ I said, ‘I have already made you god of this whole world.’ But no, he wanted more. A great insurrection ensued and finally, I had to expel him from My heavenly world along with a third of the angels that followed him. I recorded this in Revelation 12:9. From that time onward I forbade him to return, and of course My old friend is now very, very angry with Me! What happened then is most disturbing, because Lu, in retaliation, went after My most prized design. He spread his corruption to my Adam creation. You will be able to read about this also at the beginning of the third chapter of my book called Genesis. I want you to understand that before that time the world was not like it is today. The world was pure, there were no lies, no crime and no anger or wars. Angels and people lived in the joy and peace of the worlds I had made for them. This corruption that Lucifer initiated was the worst I had ever seen. It spread from human to human like a disease and I called it sin."

"You mentioned the bad things going on in the world, so let Me explain why that happens. As a human, you can only see with your eyes but all around you the great insurrection that I mentioned continues in the spiritual realm. My servant Paul describes this in the chapter called Ephesians 6. He wrote that 'The fight is not against each other (flesh and blood) but the battle is actually with the officers of my fallen angels, called Principalities, Powers and Evil Rulers of the Darkness.' Now do you understand who is behind the horrible things that occur in the world? That is because Lucifer and his angry friends remain quarantined on the earth."

“But God,” I said, “why do you let all this continue?”

“My child,” He said, “the laws that govern the universe will be too complicated for you to understand but let me just say this. I must let this world run its course; it will continue until the appointed time.”

So I asked, “God, is it true, then, that all humans do actually need a saviour? I don’t understand this.”

“Yes”, said God, “you do need a saviour. The reason for this is relatively simple. Remember Me telling you about the disease of corruption which I called sin? I mentioned that it has spread even to the humans, as is written in my book in the chapter called Genesis. So you see, the humans are also quarantined there on the earth for the same reason that the angels cannot leave; because of the corruption. I won’t change the penalty upon the angels who are down there on earth but I did devise a plan to help my Adam creation. You see, the only way to destroy sin is by fire. So, when my servant Paul wrote in the chapter called Romans 6:23, 'the punishment (result) of sin is death;' that is what I was talking about. My plan for the world will soon be complete and at that time I will cause the world to burn, destroying all the corruption with it. Read about it in Revelation 20: 12-14. So when people say, 'I have no sin,' they deceive themselves and they do not understand what really happened. This is recorded in 1 John 1:8, 10.”

“One of the laws that govern the universe to keep it pure is called ‘the law of sin and death.’ This law assures that all sin and corruption must be destroyed by fire. Your enemy (Satan) knew that the humans would not be able to escape the disease and you would end up in the fire because of it. The only way for Me to set the people free, then, would be to satisfy this law in some other way. This is why I sent my only Son to the earth. When Jesus went to the cross, He voluntarily took upon Himself the sin of every human in the world and died with that sin, upon Him, effectively paying the death penalty for the sins of all mankind. Read about it in your Bible in I John 3:8, where I explain that the devil has sinned from the beginning. ‘For this purpose the Son of God was manifested (revealed), that He might destroy the works of the devil.' ”

“So that is what Jesus was all about!” I said. “Wasn’t there any other way to buy us back?” I asked. “I mean, He was your Son - - - your only Son!”

He was quiet for a minute and then began again. “My child, that sacrifice was My greatest gift to the Adam race. One man (My Son), gave His life a ransom for all mankind, as I wrote in 1 Timothy 2:6.”

“God,” I said, “That was an unimaginable gift! How could you do that for us? It would have been the most excruciating sacrifice for you! And, if I cannot earn my salvation, how can I receive it?”

“Just as I wrote to you in John 3:16,” God replied. “Jesus truly was My only Son and because of that, you could never afford to pay Me back. That, My child, is what the god of this world cannot give you. It is called grace. I wrote in the chapter called Ephesians 2, “It is only by grace that you can be saved; it is not of yourselves so that man cannot boast. It is the gift of God.” Grace is quite simply described as an unmerited favour.”

“Ok, I think I understand,” I said, “but wait, if we were all born with this disease, how could we be responsible for it?”

“As I mentioned,” replied God, “all corruption will be burned. What makes you responsible, My child, is when you ‘choose’ to act in sin when you could do otherwise. The sad thing is that all of Adam’s race do sin and even enjoy it. It is for this reason I warned you about it in my book, in Romans 3:23. Now do you understand why you need a saviour so badly?”

“Yes, I think I do. Now, what do you want me to do?”

He replied, “As I have written clearly in Acts 3:19, 'Repent, stop deliberately sinning and ask Me to forgive you!' You see, My child, if you confess (meaning to acknowledge your sins), I will be faithful and just to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness, just as I wrote in 1 John 1:9. Then, look to my Son and learn from Him. Do what He teaches you to do in Romans 10:9-10 and you will escape the fire.”

“I promise you, as many as receive my Son Jesus, to them I will grant the power to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name. Read John 1:12. You see, I wrote these things clearly in the book so that you will escape the fire and have eternal life with Me. Read 1 John 5:13. My Son’s promise is that 'whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name: ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full!’ John 16: 23 –24.”

“Thank you, My God and My Saviour!” I said, “I do believe that Jesus is your Son and that He did come to carry all my iniquities. I know that I have done many things to displease You and I ask You to please forgive all my sins. Please help me not to sin anymore but to be pleasing to You in all that I do and all that I say.”

“Lord, I wonder, then, if this is the only way for man to be saved, may I ask you why there are all those other confusing religions in the world?”

God took a deep breath and said quietly, “Remember, your fight is not with flesh and blood (humans) but with the Devil in the spiritual realm. This is my old friend turned archenemy, Lucifer, or Satan, as he is sometimes known. He has made it as difficult as possible for Adam’s race to escape the fire by creating all kinds of false diversions. The thing that you must remember is what My Son Jesus told you; 'I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by Me, John 14:6.' I created the universe and your earth, therefore I existed before all the other gods and religions. I also made a record of My work and plan, which was written by forty of my prophets over four thousand years.”

“All Scripture (in My Bible) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the people of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work, as recorded in 2 Timothy 3:16.”

“And now, My child, you have asked enough questions to know where the rest of the answers can be found. May you abound in hope because of the truth that you have learned. Remember to cast all your care upon Me (Pray), for I care for you, 1John 5:7."

“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you shall call upon Me, and you shall go and pray to Me and I will hearken unto you. Jeremiah 29:12.”

“Thank you, Lord,” I said, “for sorting out all my confusion and for showing me where the truth can be found.”

© 2007

Understanding Surrender

When we surrender to God, what do we mean?
Realizing that we have not pleased God.

Until now we have lived for ourselves; we have never been concerned about what God had planned for us.

In prayer we seek God’s forgiveness and cleansing for anything that comes between Him and us, any sin, anything.

Sin is easily defined as the thoughts and actions that we have that are ungodly or those things that God would not be pleased with.

Now we invite Him to fill us, live within us and complete the plan He has for us.

From now on we seek God’s favour, desiring to be the kind of person He would be pleased with.

We seek God’s company daily, to have intimate friendship with Him. Growth in our spirit and communication with God is dependant upon prayer and our daily reading of the Scriptures.


Escaping a Dying world.

This world is a dying world that was created by God himself but was ruined by those actions of man He calls sin. The devil, the father of lies introduced sin to mankind and the world, so the destruction of this world comes as a result of that corruption.

If we live in this world and desire to be part of it or influenced by it, we will fall subject to the destiny of the world. It is written that this world will be destroyed by fire. Mankind, like the world, has suffered the insidious decay of the corruption of sin. This alone is what separates us from the Love of God.
This is why God in his great wisdom sent his Son, his only Son to rescue us from this dying world.

Jesus’ punishment and dying are a substitute for our own deserved punishment. As you believe and accept this truth, His powerful resurrection will save us from our deserved punishment. Jesus’ death is a model for us to follow, that we should also die to this world. But be encouraged that it doesn’t stop there! Jesus, on the third day rose from the dead and at that time gained victory over all the death and corruption brought about by every sin that has plagued mankind.

Now we can live in victory, by surrendering to God through the saving power of Jesus Christ. We can live out our lives in this dying world and not be subject to the corruption and subsequent death of this world.

HOW? Only by inviting Jesus to dwell in us and wash us clean of the corruption and lies that are part of this world and that keep us separated from God. No longer must we be controlled by the influence of our spiritual enemy the devil, or to be tainted by the influence of this dying world.

Surrender is the operative word!

By surrendering to God by faith in Jesus, we willingly take our attention and devotion from the world around us and place it on God.
We must daily invite Jesus to replace the influx of dead and dying values and lies that we pick up through our association with the sinful world around us.
We must rely upon the powerful cleansing Word of God that is itself alive to build our faith and restore our minds.

Having said this, then our success in this world is a direct result of our actions. God has done His part and the victory is available to us. Now, if we actually want to be free of this dying world and to live in victory, and if we wish to be free of the bondages that we picked up from the world, we must daily seek God and His righteousness and all that we need will be given to us.

If we attempt to embrace God and still desire the pleasures of this world we will fall. We would fall because having invited God into our lives we must never take Him back with us to our old worldly pursuits.
If we do arrive back in our old worldly hangouts we will quickly find that we are alone; God doesn’t want to be there.

Naturally, He is the very opposite of what this world is all about.
So the basic rule of cause and effect is apparently required for success.

1. To escape a dying world of which we are a dying part. We must ask forgiveness of God and repent, not wanting to go back to this decaying world and the sin we experienced there.
If we don’t come to God for cleansing and forgiveness we will simply perish with the destiny of this world.

2. We must invite Jesus Christ in to live in us and give us the power to live in victory within the confines of this old world and to give us the gift of eternal life.

God says if we believe in Him, we must also believe in Christ whom He sent to save us. He has gone to prepare a place for us, that where He is there we can be also. This means that upon inviting Jesus in, our lives will be written in the Lamb’s book of Life, and we will be free from the judgment and final destruction of this world.

3. We must then study the Word of God and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus if we are to have the power and the insight to succeed.
We must not attempt to take God back into the world to the old things that we used to enjoy. If we do return, we will find that we are alone and without the power and wisdom which comes from the Holy Spirit. We must learn what it means to be Holy as He is Holy. We need to desire and ask for His daily guidance and power.

4. By studying the Word of God and seeking His input into our lives, we learn to recognize just who God is and who we really are.
We take the Word of God for the renewing of our minds. If we don’t read and study the Bible we can never grow in the knowledge of who God is, nor will we discover the power of the promises He has for us.

5. We find ourselves falling in Love with Him, in reverence and respect.
Without a clear understanding of who God is, we only find ourselves trying to approach Him much the same way that we were used to getting things from the world. This approach is damaging to our relationship with the Father and we will find ourselves wondering why He doesn’t answer our prayers.

6. As we remain in Him and grow in Him, He will teach us how to choose His way over the ways of the world.

We can be certain that each time we depart from Him and go back to the temptations and the lusts of the world, we will go without Him. We find, however, that He is still back where we left Him and is again willing to take our hand and forgive us. We do need to know that each time this happens, it slows our spiritual growth and prevents God from blessing us with all that He wants to give us according to His promises.

The Genesis Formula

In the beginning

Have you ever stood in front of the vitamin rack in your local pharmacy and asked “Just which one is right for me?” So many choices and so much to learn. “Will I ever find just the right combination of herbs to make me feel good again?” 

In our quest for God, the problem is much the same, as we stand big eyed, bewildered and disheartened at a world full of spiritual choices. We don’t even have to leave home! Witnesses of Jehovah come to our door, friendly Mormon missionaries will visit, TV Evangelists vie for our attention (and money) and then there is the Christian church down the block. Who do I believe? Should we follow Oprah, the Dalai Lama or New Age beliefs? Who can I dare to trust with “MY” eternal destiny? 

The greatest spiritual dilemma for most of mankind is not, Is there a God?  For it is written, (A) “Only the fool has said in his heart, there is no God”(B)  for anyone with eyes can see His handiwork in the night sky or in nature!  No, the real issue is Why can’t I communicate with God or How do I make Him personal?  You say, “I tried some of those churches and they all sound so convincing in their beliefs but I still feel empty! Why can I not find God for myself?” 

Does God seem to be a nebulous, mystical Being that we cannot connect with the way we would like? If we desire to really know God, to walk with Him and be in His favor, then we must follow the formula that God has meticulously laid out for us in the beginning, in “His” book, the Bible. The formula is not complicated, but as in any formula, there are a certain order of steps that must be followed. 

From the “original” scripture message:

(C)“He who comes to God must first believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”  

(D) Jesus said, “ Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me!”

* (E) “From there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him [only] if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

* (F) Understand that we, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

* (G) “But your iniquities have separated you from your God” [sins or iniquities are those things that we do and think that disgust a perfect Being like God]

* (H) “If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

* (I) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

(J) “Therefore bear fruits worth of repentance.” [To express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin]

You will surely find that doing business with God, confessing and repenting of your sin, will indeed bring about that coveted relationship with God the way it was intended to be in the beginning. The only thing that will separate us from God is more sin!  Suffice it to say that if you are afraid to relinquish control of your life to God or if you like your sin more than you desire to know Him, you will never know the joy of a personal relationship with Him. Sadly, the final result of not coming to repentance is that any hope of eternal life with God will be forever lost.

Now, you might ask, if that formula is in the Bible then which Bible should I read? Can I trust any of the new modern translations? The answer (as it always is with God) is found by going back to the original scriptures. The story that God wants us to know, the history of creation and mankind has never changed, although our new emerging religions are attempting to twist that truth. The original scriptures still tell us, (K) “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” (This speaks of the power and authority of Christ Jesus.)  (L)“All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (Pay attention, Mr. Darwin!) (M) “In Him was life and the life was the light of men.” Jesus Himself tells us, (N)“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (Oprah dear, are you listening?)

The New World Translation of the Bible and others have recently changed the Scriptures, so be careful to search for a translation that maintains the original truths. The “Winds of Change” would have us believe that we are in a new age with a new story, but God says, (O) “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever,” and that, (P) the original scriptures must not be changed! If in doubt, we must compare our bible to a King James Version or a New King James Bible to see if the important scriptures have been changed. 

(Q) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and I will listen to you and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”   

Related scripture References  (New King James Version)

(A) Only a fool has said in his heart there is no God...Psalm 14:1
(B) God is found in nature...Romans 1:20
(C) He is and that He is a rewarder...Hebrews 11: 6
(D) Let not your heart be troubled you believe in God, believe also in Me...John 14:1
(E) Seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul...Deuteronomy 4:29
(F) All have sinned and fall short of the glory...Romans 3:23
(G) Your iniquities have separated you from God...Isaiah 59:2
(H) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins...1 John 1:9
(I) For God so loved the world...John 3:16
(J) Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance...Luke 3:8
(K) In the beginning was the word and....John 1:1
(L) All things were made through Him...John 1:3
(M) In Him was life and the life was the light of men...John: 1:4
(N) Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life...John 11: 25
(O) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever...Hebrews 13:8
(P) Last four verses of the Bible...Revelation 22:18-21
(Q) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord...Jeremiah 29:11

You are not alone!

Each day as I live and watch the world around me, I become more and more grieved with seeing so many people struggling with the issues of life. They want good things for themselves and their families, they desire to be healthy, prosperous and productive and they want their lives to be significant. Yet, in all of this struggle, most people still feel insignificant, most never know prosperity and many experience only a life of sorrow and hard work.
 
Is this the lot of mankind? Is this the norm or is there some great secret that could change this entire life of struggle and hardship? Many people strive for wealth, hoping it will bring relief and meaning to their lives. Some turn to pleasure, resolved to enjoy life as much as they can before they die. Some choose an induced utopia of drugs or alcohol to simply numb the pain and disappointment of their failures. But Jesus Himself encourages us by saying: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Then, God reaffirms this truth in the book of 1st. John 5:5 by saying: “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
 
Our loving Creator calls to us out of His book, the Bible. In Proverbs chapter 4 vs 20 He pleads with us, saying,, “My children, if you receive My words and treasure My commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding; Yes if you cry out for discernment and lift your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear (reverence) of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly, He guards the path of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and every good path.” 

Talk about a letter of encouragement from the heart of a Parent who longs to see His children blessed in every way!  His promise, “My children, do not forget my law but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you--and so you will find favour with God and man!” (Proverbs 3:1-4)
 
I have diligently studied the word of God and have experienced His goodness for well over forty five years now. And it is true that I have not ever seen “His” children begging bread or the righteous forsaken. God has blessed me, prospered me and disciplined me in love. His interest in me and His tenderness toward me is completely beyond my understanding.

In the world you you will have trouble. Take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

We welcome you to come and celebrate God’s love for us (Worship) at the Christian church of your choice.

Please pick up your Gift

Each Christmas season our retail businesses enjoy a real financial boost. We all know that the sudden increase in sales occurs because in our culture we enjoy the delightful custom of gift giving, and what a marvelous custom that is. For us, Christmas is a time to show our love and appreciation for friends, family and neighbours, and to reach out to hurting people and rekindle old friendships.

I’ve heard it said that a true friend is one who makes the transition from our old address book into our new one. Possibly this is true of Christmas card lists as well. With a Christmas present, we affirm our love or appreciation for that special someone, a gesture that requires no reciprocation and has no strings attached.

Many years ago, mankind’s greatest admirer sent to us the most expensive gift ever given. That, of course, was the gift of eternal life given to us by our Father in heaven and made available to every person on Earth. Unfortunately, because you and I did not have God listed in our address book we went our own way and became separated from Him.

The gift was delivered in a most unusual way, delivered to a humble stable in Bethlehem, Judah. That starry night the skies overhead rang with the celebration of singing angels. It was the greatest gift ever given, a gift that would allow us to escape from the results of our disobedience to God and enable us to live forever on the new earth.

God tells us: For the wages (results) of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Although not delivered by Canada Post, this wonderful gift came right to our earthly door. All that is required, then, is to accept it for ourselves.
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. . . For it is by believing in your heart, that you are made right with God; and it is by confessing with your mouth, that you are saved.

When we invite the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, into our lives and ask Him for forgiveness, we accept that gift of God, a gift that wipes away all of our past transgressions. The Father’s supreme sacrifice of sending His own Son to die for our transgressions is known as Grace.

For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
Beloved, this Christmas don’t forget to pick up your gift. It has been waiting for you to accept it, from God with love.